A DISABLED teacher claims she will be forced to stay at home due to changes to the Motability scheme.

Frome’s Kay Millar says she will be unable to work once mileage allowances drop and charges for excess miles increase this July.

She spoke out amid a growing backlash to the changes with the scheme's average user set to pay out £400 extra.

Recipients of disability benefits can exchange parts of their payments for vehicles under the scheme with around 860,000 people across the UK leasing new vehicles. Usage rules are set to become more stringent with a 10,000-mile-per-year mileage limit from July 1.

Motorists who surpass 30,000 miles over a three-year lease period will have to pay 25p for every extra mile. Under the current system, drivers can drive 60,000 miles before a 5p-per-mile charge kicks in.

She worries plans for a career change to study a masters will have to be put on hold if she loses her car. Kay added: "My current lease is due in November but I can’t afford the additional mileage.

“The scary thing is we’ve fought for many years to get disabled people functioning in society and this decision is forcing people back into their homes”, she said.

“I will not be able to have a job or see my friends. Without a large car, I won't be able to get out of the house. This change is not only going to force people out of driving but out of work and I believe people will lose their lives due to mental health.”

Kay currently drives a Vauxhall Groundland big enough for her assistance dog, two wheelchairs and a power attachment. Two and a half years into her current lease, she has 42,000 miles on the clock which would cost her an extra £3,000 under the new rules.

Kay said: "My current lease is due in November but I can’t afford the additional mileage.

Public transport is also not a viable alternative for Kay who has been a disability campaigner for years. She said: “I've worked on the public transport system and I still don't have faith in it", she said. “It’s just not safe for people.”

In a statement a Motability spokesperson responded: “In November, the UK government announced new taxes for the Motability Scheme which would mean an average £1,100 increase to lease prices from July.

"We know how important a vehicle is for our customers to live independently, which is why we’ve made changes to new leases from July to reduce the increase to £400 on average. Existing leases are not affected.

“Changing the mileage allowance of future leases lowers insurance and maintenance costs and increases the vehicle’s resale cost, which reduces the cost of a lease.

“We understand that, in some circumstances, you may need to drive more than the mileage allowance included in your lease.

“We will be introducing an exceptions process for very limited situations and will share an update before July 1.”